A perfect place for my pockets.

Perhaps you remember my denim skirt? I spent a couple of days trying to decide whether to sew on the back pockets, or not. Well, I have found a perfect place for them!

A while ago, I found the FREE pdf pattern from By Hand London, the Polly Top. I knew it would be perfect for the leftover fabric I end up with occasionally… and I certainly had some left when I finished my denim skirt.

Does anyone else piece together pdf patterns the same as me? I always seem to piece together one pattern piece at a time and then immediately cut it out. I guess I feel like I am accomplishing something that way? Here you can see my first piece taking shape – like putting a puzzle together.

There are only three pattern pieces to the Polly Top, so not too many pages to cut and tape together. Bonus – it’s a good one to start with!

Sophie doing her inspection of my pattern assembly!

Now since I was using the leftovers of my 100% cotton denim fabric, I didn’t quite have enough fabric to lay this one pattern piece out … so I just added in another seam to join the two sections together.

It turned out rather well!

Here all my front pieces are sewn together. The extra seam I put in looks like a dart that was meant to be. I also put in a front and back seam, just for the fun of it… you’ll see…

LOTS OF TOPSTITCHING!

There are no facings for the arm and neck holes, like I said a simple pattern. I used single fold bias tape instead.

More TOPSTITCHING on the back seam!

The best part? My POCKETS!

Even though it was a lovely “almost Fall” day – warm and sunny – all I could muster was headless shots. Where’s is Mad’s talented photographer when you need him. Needless to say, I was suffering from my first cold of the season and relaxing with my sewing won over getting all dolled up for photos – so sorry!

“Five thumbs up” for this easy to assemble and sew, FREE, comfortable top. I’m going to save the pattern pieces and try another in a knit fabric with colour blocking – I will have to see what kind of fabric scraps I have stashed away.

Has anyone else out there found a favourite FREE pdf pattern that works well? Let us know in the comments… I say you can never have too much FREE stuff!

I LOVE THESE TOPS! 🙆 You can dress them up for work, wear them casual. I would love a closet of these tops. If it’s cold out, throw on a cardigan. The pockets look great. I really really like the top stitching because it adds a decorative touch. 👌

I made a polly a couple of years ago (I think) in a drapey fabric and have worn it loads. I never thought if using a denim but it works so well! My first few pdfs I cut out your way but then always had bits and found it really hard. Then I discovered sticking it in one go. I tend to lay them out and work out which won’t have to be stuck together. And I find glue easier than tape too.
You’ve got me thinking I need another polly in my life.
PS so glad you found a home for those cute pockets 😃

Thank you! This denim is as lightweight as they come I think. I’m still not getting any drape out of it. I’ll try a knit next! I’m probably doing the PDFs thing wrong, but I have a serious lack of space!

That’s such an interesting link from the material lady. I need to see what else they have to download?? Is there nothing that can’t be found online by these clever sewing ladies.
Anyway, I digress, that’s a perfect outcome for those pockets! I think denim often softens best with wear! I can’t stand facings on a top like that, give me a binding or binding facing anytime! Looks great.